A TAXI driver accused in a lorry hijack case told a jury he had been offered a deal by police if he would name those involved.

Stephen Booth claimed he was promised only a caution in return and allowed to go home from a police station.

But he insisted at Worcester Crown Court that he was forced to keep quiet because of threats against his family. He said "people" whom he did not know knocked on his door and intercepted him while he was out walking his dog.

During cross-examination, Booth said he knew more than he was prepared to tell the trial.

He told prosecutor Nigel Godsmark QC: "I can't tell you because the threats are too serious. I have no faith in you protecting my wife and daughter."

Booth was warned by Judge Michael Mott that the jury could draw inferences against him if he did not reveal information.

But he refused to elaborate, adding: "If it means I have to go to prison, so be it."

Mr Godsmark accused him of inventing the police deal story.

Booth, aged 39, of Hurleybrook Way, Telford, admitted that he had helped hire two seven-and-a half-ton trucks to transport a £171,000 load of computers stolen from a lorry in a hold-up on the M5 near Worcester on June 21 last year.

He claimed he was unaware of their intended use at the time and thought he was hiring trucks for a company which ran lessons for HGV drivers.

The jury was told that Frederick Johnson and Dolphin will not be called by defence barristers to give evidence.

Industrial cleaner David Banner, who lodged with Johnson, said on the night of the hijack they played golf on a computer, their regular habit on Fridays.

Bernard Thorogood, for Johnson, said he had no previous convictions.

The trial continues.